Elaeagnus umbellata Autumn olive (Elaeagnaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Elaeagnus umbellata
Autumn olive
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Elaeagnus umbellata plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas. It is a member of the Elaeagnaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Autumn olive. Some home gardeners know the variety as E. crispa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Elaeagnus umbellata
Common Name:  Autumn olive
Family:  Elaeagnaceae
Author:  Thunb.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  4.5   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  Thickets and thin woods in the lowland and hills[58].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[11, 200], though it dislikes shallow chalk soils[98]. It prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in very poor soils and in dry soils[11, 200]. Prefers a light sandy loam and a sunny position[11]. Established plants are very drought resistant[1]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -40°c[200]. This species is somewhat similar to E. multiflora, but it flowers a few weeks later[182]. Sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[183]. 'Cardinal' and 'Red Wing' are very good fruiting forms (developed for ornament and not for fruit quality)[182]. 'Jazbo' has been bred for its edible fruits which are said to be ripe when 'they drop into your hand'[214]. This makes them valuable in breeding programmes to develop easily harvested fruits[214]. Flowers are rich in nectar and very aromatic, they are much visited by bees. Polymorphic[11]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[88, 200]. Plants can fruit in 6 years from seed[160]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[160, 200]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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